Every year literally hundreds of new stores open in New York… and close within the year. The cutthroat fashion industry, mixed with the competitive nature of New York’s retail scene, makes it difficult for new stores to attract and retain customers. However, the challenges New York presents make our city the most exciting place for emerging trends and amazing finds. At Shop Gotham, we vet as many new stores as possible to bring our guests to the best New York City has to offer. Here are some of our favorite new stores. Go on a Shop Gotham shopping tour, and we’ll take you to some of these– and more!

1. Piperlime

This Gap-owned e-department store switches up the format: Across 4,000 lime-painted square feet, all of the merchandise is organized by trend—Girl on a Budget, for instance, or First Look at Spring—rather than by brand. That makes shopping it more democratic (not to mention fun) than your average Soho stroll! Shoes are separate, but there are hundreds to choose from.

2. Personnel of New York

We were so bummed when Zachary’s Smile closed last March. It was a standout in a city chock full of vintage boutiques. So we were thrilled to hear that its former co-owner Kristi Paras is opening a boutique featuring her favorite East Coast/West Coast indie designers. Even though it’s not a vintage store, we hope it will retain some of Zachary Smile’s unique flair.

3. Goods for the Study

Nolita bookstore McNally Jackson is a beloved institution in a very literary city. Owner Sarah McNally opened a new store May 5th dedicated to what she calls “the life of the mind.” Goods for the Study features new and vintage furniture and office supplies dedicated giving work spaces more character. It’s right around the corner from McNally Jackson, located on Mulberry Street, so literary New York will be able to find it easily. We predict that it will become very trendy very fast…